Chapter 161
Sir Raymond?
Yes.
I called you because you were so quiet.
Sorry.
Raymond apologized. Carynne felt like she could understand why Raymond sometimes got lost in thought like that. She experienced it herself, after all.
Once you let down your guard for even a moment, memories would flood into your mind relentlessly, as though a dam had burst.
Raymond said that he had lived longer than her. Considering his position and the older age he might have reached, its likely that he had varied choices and experiences.
But that also meant that he lived far, far longer than her. With something like that, there was only one way to handle it.
Focus on the present moment and do your best.
Carynne placed a hand over Raymonds hand, which was holding the horses reins.
Dont think.
Yes.
Her hand was warm.
It felt real.
Its nice to see this place in spring, too.
Itll be even better when the flowers start to bloom soon.
Carynne looked at the stream, then raised her head to see the mansion beyond the meadow covered with green vines. The sound of water flowing under the arch bridge could be heard.
Were almost there now.
In the distance, the Tes Manor was visible. Carynne liked that mansion. Sitting on a slight slope, the Tes Manor was a historic and elegant building.
I always only come here in the fall or winter, so Im looking forward to spending the summer here. Is it okay to go out to the garden?
She had never died in the garden before, so it would be too difficult for her if hed tell her not to go there.
Yes, but when that day approaches, you should stay only inside the room.
Carynne nodded in response to Raymonds words, then next, she asked.
Okay. How about the rose garden? I heard the landscaping is nice, and Ive always wanted to see it myself. But every time I came, the roses were already withered.
I hear its quite alright.
Although it was his own house, it was a somewhat lackluster and unsure answer. Carynne tilted her head to the side and asked.
Youre not sure?
I never had much interest in the rose garden except for when I was a child.
Do you not like flowers?
Its not that I dislike them, but Im usually at the capital or deployed for work, so thats how it is. And I usually buy flowers from the kids selling them rather than caring for the ones at home.
Flowers grown from your own garden might be better than the ones just bought.
I just do it as a form of charity for the poor. I enjoy the hypocrisy of giving alms.
Dont undermine yourself. Direct charity can be a great comfort to them Ah, havent we had this conversation several times?
Raymond chuckled.
Yes, its a conversation weve had many times before.
At the repetition of a similar conversation, they talked as if they had planned it together. It was a ridiculous thing to recognize. Raymond laughed and then asked Carynne.
By the way, was that rose garden really famous?
Carynne hesitated for a moment before answering.
Isella used to brag about it a lot.
Raymond, too, stayed silent for a moment before responding.
I see.
The mismatched conversation ended somewhat awkwardly. Carynne then glanced at Raymond for a moment. Raymond was focused on handling the horse, and the horses pace quickened slightly.
She wondered what happened to Isella.
Carynne waited for Raymond to say something else, but he remained silent.
So, even when she was curious, Carynne didnt probe further.
Isella was an important person in Carynnes life, and also in Raymonds life. She had always been there by their side, along with Verdic. Those two were the people who urged Carynne and Raymond to meet and have their beginnings.
Even if Raymond had married someone other than Isella, the fact that Isella would appear never changed. But this time, she didnt come. She disappeared. Even her father, Verdic, didnt know where his daughter was.
Raymond, what have you done to Isella?
The fact that Raymond was keeping silent about Isella made Carynne suspect that he had done something. But she didnt ask him further. If there was a need to talk, she would do so at the right time. It would not be polite to ask further right now.
Is Emily in the mansion now?
Carynne changed the topic. Emily was Raymonds elderly housemaid. Raymond asked in a puzzled voice.
No, shes not. Why do you ask?
She was teaching me the embroidery method from her hometown last time, but we got interrupted. I was wondering if I could learn it this time.
Carynne thought about what she would do from now on. She remembered that in one of her past lives, she had struggled to master embroidery, pricking her fingers multiple times but still getting it wrong. Perhaps this time, shed be able to perfect it.
Im sorry. I fired all the staff to keep you from meeting other people as much as possible.
I see.
If you want, Ill make certain preparations.
In response to Carynnes somewhat sulky answer, Raymond made a suggestion.
With Emily?
Ill have her teach me embroidery, Raymond replied.
Hearing Raymonds serious proposition, Carynne nodded in response.
Now thats a funny joke.
I didnt mean it to be a joke, but
Raymond responded still with a serious expression, but Carynne couldnt help but laugh when she imagined him diligently embroidering with a stern face.
Anyway, I need to think about what to do. What would be fun to do in the mansion?
Carynne liked this mansion.
In terms of size, it was not inferior to the royal familys villa, and above all, the scenery was beautiful. There was a mountain behind the building, which made the mansion shine even more, and a shallow stream ran in front of the beige-colored mansion, perfect for leisurely playing in the water.
Carynne especially enjoyed lying in the vast meadow that stretched out in front of the mansion, basking in the sun.
The garden had various beautiful trees pruned diligently by gardeners, and in the summer, many nobles would visit. Peacocks and swans roamed the garden, and the rose garden was Carynnes favorite place.
Its been a long time since Ive been here.
Surely one of the reasons Verdic Evans coveted the Saytes family was the grandeur of the Tes Mansion.
Verdic Evans also had several mansions, but owning a mansion like this was another matter.
A noblemans mansion was not just a single building; it included the entire estate that had been managed and occupied for decades or even centuries. It encompassed everything from gardens to historic buildings, hunting grounds, and the classical decorations within.
Verdic might have owned elegant and splendid buildings, but that alone might not have satisfied himas was the case with most wealthy individuals.
Carynne, take my hand and come down.
Carynne took Raymonds arm and descended from the carriage. Her back hurt. Carynne stretched a little then looked up at the mansion. The mansion revealed its grandeur under the bright noon sun.
Carynne walked slowly beside Raymond. It was a place she had been to many times, but the thrill was always new.
Come to think of it, the rose garden seems a bit dangerous, Raymond said.
Why?
What if you get pricked by a rose thorn and get tetanus?
Sir Raymond, be serious.
Carynne playfully pinched Raymond, but his face remained stoic.
Im always serious.
Anyway, Ill stay inside the mansion for now. The flowers havent bloomed yet anyway.
Yes, Im sorry about that.
No need to apologize when you already know the reason.
If this mansion was any smaller, she might have said no. Carynne thought about the Hare manor. It was undoubtedly a large mansion when compared to commoners homes, but living inside even that manor felt stuffy at times.
However, staying at Raymonds mansion would be enjoyable for at least a year. The mansion had over one hundred and seventy rooms spread across four floors. Each area was so spacious that it was difficult to feel cramped.
Carynne walked up to the front gate.
However, despite her using the lion-shaped door knocker several times, the door remained closed. Raymond walked up to her from behind and took out a large key.
Since we dont have any servants right now, Ill have to open it myself.
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